How Montana's New Housing Reforms Aim To Solve Shortages

Gov. Greg Gianforte on Tuesday praised a unanimous ruling from the Montana Supreme Court that upheld three housing reform laws passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor.

“Homeownership is a key part of the American dream,” Gianforte said. “Today’s decision by the Montana Supreme Court is a landmark victory for hardworking Montana families and our work to increase the supply of affordable, attainable housing. By upholding the constitutionality of our reforms, it will help bring the American dream into greater reach for Montanans across our state.”

The reforms were developed through the governor’s bipartisan Housing Task Force, which was created by executive order in July 2022. The task force was charged with identifying the causes of the state’s housing shortage and recommending solutions that could be implemented through legislation, administrative action or local policy changes.

Lawmakers approved several of those recommendations during the legislative session. Senate Bill 323 allows duplex housing in city zoning districts. Senate Bill 528 allows accessory dwelling units, expanding options for affordable starter homes. Senate Bill 382 requires local governments to adopt pro-housing policies, update zoning regulations and select from reform options intended to increase housing development.

The task force produced multiple reports outlining its findings and recommendations. Those reports were delivered to the governor in late 2022 and included proposals for state agencies, local governments and lawmakers.

On June 29, 2023, Gianforte announced the task force would continue its work.

“While we’ve made great progress to increase the supply of affordable, attainable housing for Montanans, there’s more work to do, and we’re not done yet,” Gianforte said. “I look forward to our Housing Task Force continuing to develop more commonsense solutions to address one of the most pressing issues facing hardworking Montanans.”